Daily Thoughts 10/31/2018

La Lecture, Caricature by Louis-Leopold Boilly, 1828

Daily Thoughts 10/31/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of Who We Are And How We Got Here.  I am reading about the DNA sequencing of the neanderthals and how modern are related to them and interbred with them.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I read the latest copy of Publishers Weekly.

Right now, I am at the public computers.

I spent some time going through the mending section today.  I also spent some time looking at items that are not in the system.

I worked on some weeding lists for different sections in the library.  I also put in a few orders for new books.

I also checked a few things with scheduling.

I checked out the book, Stop Workplace Drama by Marlene Chism.  I watched her give a lecture on Lynda.com

Web Bits

Public Libraries Celebrate the Democratic Ideal

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2018/10/public-libraries-celebrate-the-democratic-ideal/

UC Berkeley Security Checks Library After Learning of Bomb Suspect’s Interest

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/bomb-suspect-searched-UC-Berkeley-library-

13349702.php

Creative Bug: New Resource Offered by Lake County Library

https://www.record-bee.com/2018/10/31/creativebug-new-resource-offered-by-lake-county-library/

Daily Thoughts 10/30/2018

Parliament, Edward Collier, circa 1695

Daily Thoughts 10/30/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read a few magazines online from the RB (Recorded Books) Digital Value Collection; an article about Jeff Bezos and his Blue Origin rocket company in the October 2018 issue of Wired, and an article on Elon Musk in the October 2018 issue of Popular Mechanics.  It was entertaining reading these magazines.

I read the New York Times newspaper on the way to work.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I spent some time working on orders for new books.

I read the latest New York Times Book Review and the latest Times Literary Supplement.

I spent some time going over books in the mezzanine and how they should be handled with colleagues today.

I also looked at some items that needed mending and some books that were not in the system.

There was a Fundamentals of Computers class and a Beginning Microsoft Word class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

I checked out the book, Who We Are and How Got Here Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past by David Reich.

Web Bits

Bram Stoker's Reference Material for Dracula Discovered at London Library

https://boingboing.net/2018/10/29/defaced-history.html

Libraries, Writ Small

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/books/little-free-library-todd-bol.html

The Art Institute of Chicago Offers Open Access to 44,000 Images
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-institute-chicago-offers-open-access-44000-images-1377739

Daily Thoughts 10/29/2018

Bartholomeus Hopfer (1628-1698) , Exilium Melancholiae, After 1643

Daily Thoughts 10/29/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading Prediction Machines The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb.  I read about the struggle between privacy and collecting lots of data on people.  The more data that is collected, the more efficient a prediction machine becomes.  Thus places like China which collect massive amounts of data on people gain an advantage in building artificial intelligence.  This book has lots of strategy on how to use artificial intelligence and gain a competitive advantage in business.  At the same time it is a practical book on how artificial intelligence is being developed.

I placed a hold on the book, Stop Workplace Drama by Marlene Chism and the digital audiobook on RB Digital No Drama Leadership.

Web Bits

 Forget Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu -- Your Library is the New Place to Stream Movies

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/08/public-libraries-offering-free-streaming-to-rival-netflix-hulu.html?fbclid=IwAR2G6IyyHsiZ1nodhnFoUBhpOl98-Or2Kh6sr2VzZR7jEyB2C1RDAlHDsdw

Donate Socks for the Homeless at Schaumburg Township Library

https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20181026/donate-socks-for-the-homeless-at-schaumburg-township-library

New York Public Library Offering "Knowledge Is Power" Limited Edition Library Cards

https://www.amny.com/news/nypl-library-card-knowledge-1.22568659

Daily Thoughts 10/28/2018

Franz Van Mieris The Elder, Woman Writing a Letter, 1680

Daily Thoughts 10/28/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Prediction Machines last night.  I learned that both Google and Microsoft are now AI focused companies.

I checked the purchase alerts for items on hold.

Web Bits

Hour of Code Google Mini-grants Available

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/hour-of-code-google-mini-grants-available/

The Library of Congress Needs Help Transcribing Lincoln's Letters and Other Documents

http://mentalfloss.com/article/561842/library-congress-needs-help-transcribing-lincolns-letters-and-other-historic

This is crowdsourcing.

An Insider's View of the New York Public Library

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/business/new-york-public-library-workspace.html

Daily Thoughts 10/27/2018

Young Woman In Night Robe Reading A Letter, Suzuki Haronobu, 1764-1772

Daily Thoughts 10/27/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of Prediction Machines.  I am reading about how jobs will be redesigned because of artificial intelligence.  For example you might have a convoy of self driving trucks with two people to monitor five or six trucks on the road.  Also, parts of jobs which are routine will disappear while other parts which require human decision making will expand.

I looked through the book Art Journal Kickstarter Pages and Prompts to Energize Your Art Journals by Kristy Conlin.  This is a selection of pages from different art journals.  There is a picture then a discussion of a page from an art journal.  There are many different artists.  It is pretty and fun to look at.  It is the kind of book you keep as a conversation starter or to display on a table.  I flipped through the pages to see what was in it.  The content is mixed media.

We received $134,774 dollars to address the water damage to the Mount Vernon Public Library.  This is from a construction grant.  It will help address damage to the back offices, a study room, areas in the children's room and the young adult room.

Daily Thoughts 10/26/2018

Where the Water Lilies Grow; signed and dated 'J. Aumonier' (lower left), inscribed with title, artist's name and address (on old label verso); oil on canvas, James Aumonier, 1832-1911

Daily Thoughts 10/26/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Prediction Machines.  I am reading about how artificial intelligence is increasingly used for special functions like finding MBA candidates and sorting boxes.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

We had a downloads class today from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the computer lab.  We discussed Freegal, RB Digital Value Collection for Magazines, and Flipster.  People liked the class.

I checked the New York Times Bestseller List and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List.

I spent some time checking the books in the mending area.

There is a Codrones class in the computer lab from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There is also a teen video games hour from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Web Bits

CBC Presents Inaugural Diversity Awards

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/78430-cbc-presents-inaugural-diversity-awards.html

The Library of Congress Just Made Game Preservation A Little Bit Easier

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/329440/The_Library_of_Congress_just_made_game_preservation_a_little_bit_easier.php

Have the Public Library Find Your Next Favorite Book

https://lifehacker.com/have-the-public-library-find-your-next-favorite-book-1829998932

Browsing the Stacks: A Photo Appreciation of Libraries

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2018/10/a-photo-appreciation-of-libraries/573811/

The London Library

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-london-library

Daily Thoughts 10/25/2018

Childe Hassam, Reading In the Garden, Between 1888 and 1889.

Daily Thoughts 10/25/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Prediction Machines.  I read about how factories and work areas with few people are likely to be automated first because there are less risks.  For example, an iron mine is much more likely to be fully automated first than a garment factory.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I also did a little work with Give Gab which is a platform for fundraising.  We get an account through the Westchester Library System.

I spent some time preparing for our downloads class in the morning.  We discussed the different services we have like Freegal, Hoopla, Kanopy, Overdrive, and Freading.

I spent a little time looking at the books in the mending section. I also sorted some books from Rainbow Books.

Web Bits

Library of Congress to Provide Hundreds of Free Historic Films Online through National Screening Room

https://www.yahoo.com/news/library-congress-hundreds-free-historic-154955099.html

Every U.S. Public Library and YMCA Will Soon Get NARCAN for Free

https://www.yahoo.com/news/every-u-public-library-ymca-183004528.html

You Can Request Hand-Crafted Reading-List Recommendations from Brooklyn Public Library Online

https://boingboing.net/2018/10/24/librarians-rule.html

Daily Thoughts 10/24/2018

 

William Harnett, Music and Literature, 1878

Daily Thoughts 10/24/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Prediction Machines last night.  I am reading about human judgement.  People can make decisions where there is very little data.  They can react to unique situations where there is uncertainty.  Machines are not good at this.  This leaves a place for humans and machines to work together.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I am thinking about Giving Tuesday which is on November 27, 2018.

I spent some time working on weeding and books that are not in the system.

I also worked a little bit on signage.

There was a genealogy program in the computer lab at 6:00 p.m.

We showed the film, Forbidden Undocumented And Queer In Rural America in the Grace Greene Baker Room from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  This was streamed through Kanopy which gives its subscribers public performance rights.

Web Bits

Librarians React to New Penguin Random House Ebook Terms

https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=181012PRHebookterms

Daily Thoughts 10/23/2018

Still Life With Books, William Notman, 1870-1880

Daily Thoughts 10/23/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of Prediction Machines.  I am reading about how predictions by artificial intelligence improve when people work with machines where there is uncertainty and missing data.

I checked the gift books and the displays.

I spent time working on next months schedule for November.

I spent time discussing weeding today with the director.

I also spent time working on signage for the shelves.  We did some signage in the teen area.

I checked out the book, Stay Fit for Life, More Than 60 Exercises To Restore Your Strength and Future Proof Your Body bay Jason Kozak.  I also checked out a book called Art Journal Kick Starter Pages and Prompts To Energize Your Art Journals, Edited by Kristy Conlin.

Web Bits

Selling Graphic Novels In A Changing American Marketplace

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/78393-selling-graphic-novels-in-a-changing-american-marketplace.html

Making A Library Indispensable In the Smart Phone Era

https://www.davidson.edu/news/news-stories/181022-making-a-library-indispensable-in-the-smartphone-era

Daily Thoughts 10/22/2018

Cover of the March 1949 Issue of Fantastic Novels.  This cover is painted by Virgil Finlay one of the best artists of science fiction and fantasy.

Daily Thoughts 10/22/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also read some more of Prediction Machines on the way to work.  The authors are describing how data is what makes prediction possible.  They mention big data as a driver for artificial intelligence.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I placed some orders for new books.

I also checked some items that were not in the computer system to see if they should be added or discarded today.

I spent some time working on scheduling for next month.

I read a copy of Library Journal and the New York Times Book Review.

I spent some time at the public computers.

We had a Fundamentals of Computers Class and a Beginning Microsoft Word class tonight.

I placed a hold on the book, Stay Fit for Life: More Than 60 Exercises to Restore Your Strength and Future Proof Your Body by Joshua Kozak.

I am ordering the book, The Art of Reading, An Illustrated History of Books In Paint, by Jamie Camplin and Maria Ranauro.  I think it will be useful.

Web Bits

Where to Start With Ursula K. Le Guin

https://www.nypl.org/blog/2016/10/20/where-start-ursula-k-le-guin?utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SocialFlow

Library of Congress Digitizes its Huge Trove of Teddy Roosevelt Papers

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/library-congress-digitizes-its-huge-trove-teddy-roosevelt-papers-180970583/

Library of Congress to Launch Crowdsourcing Program

https://www.fedscoop.com/library-of-congress-crowdsourcing/

Daily Thoughts 10/21/2018

Felix Leblanc, Man Holding a Notebook, 19th Century

Daily Thoughts 10/21/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I also spent some time thinking about weeding, the mezzanine, and unique aspects of our collection. It is not an easy thing to think about.

I read some more of Prediction Machines last night.  I am reading about how it is becoming cheaper to make more accurate predictions using artificial intelligence.  A lot of this is about predicting things like how a human might drive a car, how a person would react to a change in the stock market, what are the odds for it to be sunny tomorrow?  This makes it easier for people to make decisions with cheap and accurate prediction.

I checked the purchase alerts for items on hold.

Web Bits

Cantor Arts Center and Stanford Libraries Collaborate to Make Warhol Photography Archives Publicly Available

https://news.stanford.edu/2018/10/12/cantor-arts-center-stanford-libraries-collaborate-make-warhol-photography-archives-publicly-available/

Life in Gilmore Library

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/life-gilmore-library

'Love Your Library', Community Members Hug Peter White Public Library

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Love-your-Library-community-members-hug-Peter-White-Public-Library-498125591.html

Daily Thoughts 10/20/2018

Henri Labasque, Two Girls Reading, Circa 1900

Daily Thoughts 10/20/2018

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library this morning.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I read some of Prediction Machines The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb.  The writers of this book are associated with an AI Incubator called Creative Destruction Lab.  https://www.creativedestructionlab.com/

I spent some time setting up the sign in sheets for the November computer classes.

There is a Resume and Cover Letter writing class in the computer lab from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..  We have a nice lady from Westchester Community College who volunteered to teach it.

Web Bits

Why Chimamanda Adichie Will Not “Shut Up.”

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/78342-frankfurt-book-fair-2018-why-chimamanda-adichie-will-not-shut-up.html

I registered for LibraryCon Live on Wednesday, November 7, 2018

http://vshow.on24.com/vshow/LibraryCon2018/registration/15486

Daily Thoughts 10/19/2018

William Thomas Beckford (1 October 1760 – 2 May 1844), usually known as William Beckford, was an English novelist, art critic, travel writer and politician. He was Member of Parliament for Wells from 1784 to 1790, for Hindon from 1790 to 1795 and again from 1806 to 1820. William Thomas Beckford is the author of the Gothic novel Vathek and brainchild of the remarkable Fonthill Abbey.

Daily Thoughts 10/19/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook.

I read some more of The Labyrinth of the Spirits last night.  I am finding to be a captivating, enjoyable book.  The Cemetery of Forgotten Books in the story is very well done.  Some people describe the book as a modern gothic novel.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I worked on orders for new books.  I read the latest New York Times Bestseller List and Publishers Weekly Bestseller list.   I also read the Ingram Advance and the Ingram Advance for Biography and History as well as the Ingram Holiday catalog.

We had a staff meeting where we discussed weeding, shelf reading, and inventory.

I spent a little more time discussing the signage.

I also talked with a colleague about our literacy program.

My desk is starting to pile up.

Web Bits

Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit

https://www.internet2.edu/research-solutions/community-projects/toward-gigabit-libraries/

Daily Thoughts 10/18/2018

Courtesan Writing A Letter, Kaigetsudo Doshin, Circa 1715

Daily Thoughts 10/18/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished reading 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson.  Jordan B. Peterson draws on the bible and old stories to discuss rules to live by.  He also describes many incidents from his own life and his the lives of his patients to create rules for living.  I found the book to be well written and well intentioned in its outlook.  It has lots of stories that are meant to be instructive on how to make a persons life better.

I also read some more of  The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  I am enjoying reading the story.  As I read it, the story becomes darker and stranger.  It seems to draw from the classics like The Phantom of the Opera and has just a bare touch of Dracula in it.  There are also references to fascism in Spain and the secret police.

This morning I went to active shooter training at my library.  The local police department was describing what to do in case there was an active shooter in the library.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I also put some new shelf signage for the adult area.

I worked on scheduling for my department and worked on monthly scheduling.

Web Bits

NYC Libraries Take the Lead for Digital Privacy Week

http://www.govtech.com/NYC-Libraries-Take-the-Lead-for-Digital-Privacy-Week.html

Library District Addresses Growth  With Creative Solutions

https://www.idahopress.com/meridian/news/government/library-district-addresses-growth-with-creative-solutions/article_2faabccd-ade5-5ec0-86be-bbd5e4da0124.html

A Friendly Celebration
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/friendly-celebration

Daily Thoughts 10/17/2018

Still Life With Plaster Torso A Rose and Two Novels, Vincent Van Gogh, 1887

Daily Thoughts 10/17/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read some more of 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos.  I read about how we hide things avoiding talking about personal issues until they overwhelm and destroy us.

I also read some more of The Labyrinth of the Spirits.  Some of the characters have terrible wounds which adds a macabre element to the story.  The main character, Alicia has a wound in her side.  One of the characters loses a hand and another wears a prosthetic mask.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.  I also checked on the status of some orders.  I have been checking on the on order titles and asking the vendors to fill past orders.

I have my final course in for the American Library Association Certified Public Library Administrator.  I had to retake one of the courses.  I put all my paperwork in order and sent in my final essay.  Hopefully, they will like it.  It took several hours to write and finish the process.

I spent some time working on my monthly scheduling.

I also spent some time working on signage.

Web Bits

Wikipedia Rejected an Entry on a Nobel Prize Winner Because She Wasn't Famous Enough
https://qz.com/1410909/wikipedia-had-rejected-nobel-prize-winner-donna-strickland-because-she-wasnt-famous-enough/?platform=hootsuite&fbclid=IwAR1md7S2v31ac0qcOBciMgrl6PykvptZb6Qxjeo4CCzroZKRG5wJ8SpLRxM

Daily Thoughts 10/16/2018

Jin Nong, Ink Play, 1754

Daily Thoughts 10/16/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I finished writing my final assignment for the Politics and Partnerships class I was taking last night.

On the way to work, I read some more of The Labyrinth of the Spirits.  I am enjoying the literary aspects of the book.  There are some books which are both censored and forbidden by the Catholic church that are part of the story.  There are also bookstores and libraries that are featured in the story.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I read the latest copy of the New York Times Bestseller list.  I also read through the latest New York Review of Books and Booklist.

I renewed my ALA membership today and the joined the new Graphic Novels Roundtable.  I also turned in the confirmation for completing my CPLA class.

I spent a little time working on orders for new books.

Web Bits

The Number of Self Published Books Cracked 1 Million in 2017

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/78291-the-number-of-self-published-titles-cracked-1-million-in-2017.html

TedX Library Events                                     

http://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/tedx-libraries

12 Authors Write About the Libraries They Love
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/15/books/review/public-libraries.html

About 1,300 U.S. communities have totally lost news coverage, UNC news desert study finds

https://www.poynter.org/news/about-1300-us-communities-have-totally-lost-news-coverage-unc-news-desert-study-finds?fbclid=IwAR2XU38jwTGfNeGnRilMWCuC1LcdBIAjEGQIBYAfuY5p_vaGBOkEsPKTifk

Daily Thoughts 10/15/2018

3RD MAN trailer screenshot, February 1950

Daily Thoughts 10/15/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.    I also checked the purchase alerts for holds.

I spent some time thinking about the mezzanine.

I read some more of The Labyrinth of the Spirits at the laundromat.  I like the very dark tone of the story.  At points, the main character is described as a kind of fallen angel.  She also works with the secret police.  The book draws on the history of the Spanish civil war.

Daily Thoughts 10/14/2018

The Evening Lamp, Mina Fonda Ochtman, 1900

Daily Thoughts 10/14/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some of The Labyrinth of the Spirits today.  This work is set in Barcelona in 1939. The main character, Alicia is a detective.  The story has a dark, otherworldly quality to it.  It is book four in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series.

Web Bits

Library Protects Privacy of Patrons

https://www.indianagazette.com/opinion/library-protects-privacy-of-patrons/article_af0e7a3a-cefc-11e8-94c2-eb0ce4d0585d.html

Daily Thoughts 10/13/2018

Bashkirtseff, Marie, At A Book, Circa 1882

Daily Thoughts 10/13/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I started reading The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  It is the fourth book in the Cemetery of Forgotten books series.  It is set in Barcelona.

I am looking up math teachers in Westchester.

Web Bits

Libraries are About Democracy Not Just Books

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/libraries-are-about-democracy-not-just-books-20181009-p508k7.html

How To Do a Library Makeover

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/78312-how-to-do-a-library-makeover.html

Who Started the 1986 Fire at the Los Angeles Library?  Susan Orleans Investigates.

https://www.latimes.com/books/la-ca-jc-susan-orlean-library-20181011-htmlstory.html

What Brands Can Learn from the New York Public Library's Instagram Stories

https://www.forbes.com/sites/katetalbot/2018/10/10/what-brands-can-learn-from-the-new-york-public-librarys-instagram-stories/#7f11caa236b4

                                                                                                                    

Daily Thoughts 10/12/2018

Sebastian Stoskopff ( 1597-1657 ), Still-life with books and bronze statue, Louvre

Daily Thoughts 10/12/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I rested on the way to work.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I read the New York Times Bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List.

We finished setting up some of the programming for November through February 2019 for the adult area.

I spent some time adjusting scheduling.

I also checked out the book, Prediction Machines The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb.

I am in the computer lab right now.

Web Bits

Books Are  The Best Medicine:  How Libraries Boost Our Well Being

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/10/books-best-medicine-how-libraries-boost-wellbeing

Tolland Library To Open New Virtual Reality Center On Saturday

http://www.journalinquirer.com/towns/tolland/tolland-library-to-open-new-virtual-reality-center-on-saturday/article_5b3db500-ce35-11e8-82d0-4f8efc20d050.html

Library of Congress Collects Ranks Internet’s Most Popular Meme for Science

https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/library-congress-collects-ranks-internets-popular-meme-science

Education Is Not Pornography

https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=16002

Daily Thoughts 10/11/2018

Marie Spartali Stillman, Love Sonnets, 1894

Daily Thoughts 10/11/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos.  Jordan B. Peterson describes how having a clear meaning to your life is important.  He describes as a counter force to evil in the form of tyranny.  He specifically is addressing Mao, Stalin, and Hitler.  There are references to the book, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.  I also examined some duplicate copies of books.

I am working on scheduling programs for the next four months.

I spent some time looking at signage.

I finished my monthly report for October.  It always includes statistics on programming and social media.

There is a Beginning Microsoft Excel 2013 class in the computer lab tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Web Bits

American Democracy Is Fracturing.  Libraries Say They Know How to Help

https://qz.com/1401665/can-libraries-save-america/

You Can Check Out A Cheese Book At This Michigan Library

https://www.saveur.com/cheese-book-university-of-michigan

Queens Library Puts On Teen Mental Health Week

https://pix11.com/2018/10/10/queens-library-puts-on-teen-mental-health-week/

How A Free Public Library Is Becoming a Beacon of Hope In Baltimore

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/free-public-library-beacon-hope-baltimore/story?id=58371030

To Reduce Recidivism Rates Give Prisoners More Books
https://qz.com/796369/to-decrease-recidivism-rates-give-prisoners-more-books/

Daily Thoughts 10/10/2018

Mary Cassatt, Mrs. Duffee Seated on a Striped Sofa, Reading, 1876

Daily Thoughts 10/10/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of 12 Rules for Life an Antidote to Chaos on the way home last night.  Jordan B. Peterson sees meaning in suffering.  He brings in a lot of modern thinkers like Dostoevsky and Nietzsche.  He also argues against nihilism and cultural relativism.

I checked the displays and the gift books.  I also ordered a few new titles.

I put up some shelf signage.

There is a Civics Workshop from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today in the community room.

We also have the Salsa Dance and Percussion Workshop from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the community room.  There is also an HTML 5 and CSS 3 Class in the Computer Lab from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Web Bits

Take A Virtual Tour of New York Public Library's Incredible Interior

https://mymodernmet.com/nypl-tour-architectural-digest/

How to Write A Monthly Report That Stakeholders Actually Read

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2018/09/how-to-write-a-monthly-report-that-stakeholders-will-actually-read/

Daily Thoughts 10/09/2018

Edmond Picard, Jan Toorop, 1885

Daily Thoughts 10/09/2018

I checked the Twitter and Facebook for the library.

On the way to work, I read some more of 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos.  I read a little bit of commentary on Plato and Jesus.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I also placed some new orders for books.

We have started the process of setting up a class for citizenship.

I spent a little time looking at the signage.

I also spent some time looking at budgeted items.

I read the latest New York Times Book Review and the New York Review of Books.

There is a Fundamentals of Computers class and a Beginning Microsoft Word 2013 class tonight in the computer lab.

Web Bits

Local Library Helping Families Write, Preserve Their Histories

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/article_944d19cc-c817-11e8-acda-dfcea6b1cdbf.html

The Easiest Way To Get Library Books on Iphone, Android, or Kindle

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-easiest-way-to-get-library-books-on-your-iphone-android-or-kindle/

Banning Books Silences Stories

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2018/10/banning-books-silences-stories/

Daily Thoughts 10/08/2018

Daily Thoughts 10/08/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson.  I am reading about parenting.  Jordan B. Peterson comes across as quite strict.  He writes about how to get children to follow rules, sleep, and cooperate.

I also watched another episode of Introduction to Meditation on Kanopy. The episode was Walking Mindfulness While Moving.  The content surprised me. It added some elements which I had not heard before.

Daily Thoughts 10/07/2018

Study of a Girl Reading, Valentine Cameron Prinsep (1838-1904)

Daily Thoughts 10/07/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I read a short book called Forming and Founding Public Library Foundations, 2nd Edition by Faye Clow.  It was quite short.  It included a set of bylaws and documents of incorporation.

I also read some more of 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos.  Jordan B. Peterson reminds us to measure ourselves against our own past, not against other people.  He also reminds us that small simple tasks often lead to progress.

I am watching Mind: Working With Thoughts part of the An Introduction to Meditation series on Kanopy.

I checked the purchase alerts for items that are on hold.

Web Bits

Behold! The Library of Congress's Audacious Plan to Digitize and Share the Nation's Treasures

https://boingboing.net/2018/10/06/digital-first.html

No Small Thing: Rethinking Overdue Library Fines

https://www.alternet.org/no-small-thing-rethinking-overdue-library-fines

Successful Voter Outreach

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/successful-voter-outreach

Daily Thoughts 10/06/2018

A Reading Girl With a Cat, 1885, Fritz von Uhde

Daily Thoughts 10/06/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

On the way to work, I read some more of 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos.  I am on the third rule Make Friends With People Who Want the Best for You.  The author describes how many people find it too hard to make their lives better and are on a downward trajectory.  I don't always agree with the idea that you should like people who want what is best for you.  Sometimes people think that you should be doing things that you have no interest in and are not part of your life.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I also read the latest New York Times Bestseller List and the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List.

I spent some time discussing programming with a colleague.

There is a Resume Writing Workshop today in the computer lab from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Next month we are putting out the holiday display which includes books, films, and music.  Our holiday tree from American Christmas which is a local company is coming in on November 1st, 2018.  I gathered some of the new books for the display.

Web Bits

Growing Up In the The Library

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/personal-history/growing-up-in-the-library

Can Libraries Save America

https://qz.com/1401665/can-libraries-save-america/

Democracy Is Thriving at Your Community Library

https://durangoherald.com/articles/244483

Daily Thoughts 10/05/2018

Anonymous, Brush Pot With A Man, Between 1723 and 1730

Daily Thoughts 10/05/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of 12 Rules for Life last night.  I was reading about the dominance hierarchies in the animal kingdom.  Jordan B. Peterson focuses on the lobster.

I spent a little time thinking about programming.

I am listening to my class lecture for Politics and Partnerships on Focusing Building Partnerships and Networks.  I wrote a bit about the Mount Vernon Public Library relationship with Arts Westchester and also with Ben Anthony who is certified to help with immigration issues and volunteers to come in every other Wednesday night.

Web Bits

Thousands of Sketchbooks Displayed at Brooklyn Library

https://www.voanews.com/a/thousands-of-sketchbooks-displayed-at-brooklyn-library/4600757.html

Library of Congress' New Digital Strategy Makes Broad Commitments to Emerging Tech

https://www.fedscoop.com/library-of-congress-digital-strategy-tech/

From Ink to iPads the Evolution of the Modern Comic Book

https://www.pcmag.com/article/363649/the-tech-behind-your-favorite-comic-books

Daily Thoughts 10/04/2018

Portrait of Helen Gow, Alexander Mann, Unknown Date

Daily Thoughts 10/04/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

Last night, I watched an episode of An Introduction to Meditation Course on Kanopy.  I watched Episode 6 Breathing: Finding A Focus for Attention.  One of the reasons I use the libraries electronic services regularly is that I have to explain to the patrons how they work and the best way to understand them is to use them.

I read some more of Palaces for the People last night.  I read about how sports like soccer and baseball bring different communities together.

I also started reading 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson.  There is a tie to Quora, the social media question and answer service for the origins of this book.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I worked a little bit on ordering.

I put in an order for some more sign holders.  We are steadily putting up new shelf signage for the main floor.

I spent some time working on an analysis of the electronic resources in relation to the local school for a colleague.

I finished reading Palaces for the People How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life by Eric Klinenberg.  There is a lot in this book about libraries and why we should support them because of the social function they provide to a community.

The last part of the book is about how people pull together during disasters.  It is also about how disaster prevention mechanisms for flooding like berms and seawalls can be integrated into public spaces.

I spent a little time looking at the week 5 powerpoint slides for the Politics and Partnerships class.


Web Bits

Barnes and Noble Hangs Up For Sale Sign

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/barnes-noble-hangs-up-for-sale-sign/

Boston Public Library Takes Aim At Digital Divide With New Pilot

http://www.govtech.com/network/Boston-Public-Library-Takes-Aim-at-the-Digital-Divide-with-New-Pilot.html

5 Ways Your Library Can Help You  Save Money

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-ways-your-library-can-help-you-save-money-2018-10-03

Daily Thoughts 10/03/2018

Thomas Benjamin Kennington, Reading the Letter, 1884

Daily Thoughts 10/03/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Palaces for the People this morning on the way to work.  I am reading about food deserts, community gardens, and urban farms.

I checked the displays and the gift books.

I made some final edits to the Arts Alive grant including a list of what we planned for the ten classes.

The Mount Vernon Inquirer has restarted as the Mount Vernon Post.  There is a new boss for the paper, Janelle Allbritton.

The book, The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafon came in for me to read today.

We had a Civics Course from the League of Women Voters today from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. It was focused on local elections.

There is a Google Docs class tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the computer lab.


Web Bits
Digital Future Laid Out In Library of Congress 5 year Blueprint
https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/digital-future-laid-out-in-library-of-congress-5-year-blueprint

More than 9 Million Broken Links On Wikipedia Are Now Rescued
https://blog.archive.org/2018/10/01/more-than-9-million-broken-links-on-wikipedia-are-now-rescued/

Federal Budget Includes Big Gains for Libraries

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/federal-budget-includes-big-gains-libraries/

Daily Thoughts 10/02/2018

John Wesley Jarvis, 1822,  James Fenimore Cooper

Daily Thoughts 10/02/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook this morning.

I read some more of Palaces for the People on the way to work.  I am reading about how cleaning up abandoned buildings and empty lots leads to reduced crime and better neighborhoods.

I checked the displays and the gift books this morning.

I spent some time working on orders for new books.  I also read the latest copy of the New York Times Book Review.

I checked through some items that were listed as not in the system.  I also looked over some items with very low circulation.

I read the latest copy of Booklist.  I placed a hold on The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlus Ruiz Zafon.

Web Bits

Campaign to Promote Physical Bookstores Launched

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/78186-campaign-to-promote-physical-bookstores-launched.html

Keep Copyright Office in the Library of Congress

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/keep-copyright-office-in-library-of-congress/

Museum and Library Services Act Introduced

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/museum-library-services-act-introduced/

Daily Thoughts 10/01/2018

Gerard Ter Borch, A Young Lady Writing At Her Desk, circa 1670

Daily Thoughts 10/01/2018

I checked the library Twitter and Facebook.

I read some more of Palaces for the People.  I am reading about libraries as social infrastructure or places where people meet in the community.  There is a lot of description of library programming in this book.

I spent some time looking at information on library foundations.

I also wrote an assignment on politics for my Politics and Partnerships class today.

Web Bits

What Will Happen When Newspapers Kill Print  And Go Online-Only? Most of that Print Audience Will Just ... Disappear

http://www.niemanlab.org/2018/09/what-will-happen-when-newspapers-kill-print-and-go-online-only-most-of-that-print-audience-will-just-disappear/

My Library, My Story

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/garcia-febo-jclc2018-my-library-my-story/